signup
for email updates
Directory
Our
Archive: 2001-2004
Cover
Art Archive
Search
|
Healing Heartburn Holistically
by Rita Louise
Everyone at some point in time has experienced some form of heartburn. Often, what
we notice is a bitter, sour or acid taste in our mouths. At times, we may feel as
if partially digested foods or liquids are moving from our stomach back towards our
mouth. Sometimes we may also experience chest pain that increases when we lie down.
Each of these is an indication of heartburn.
Before we move on, however it is important to note that heartburn is only an indicator
of a potentially larger digestive disorder called acid reflux or gastro esophageal
reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux is neither a serious disorder nor life threatening.
This is especially true for those who only experience it occasionally. There are
nonetheless millions of Americans that encounter the discomfort associated with acid
reflux monthly, weekly and for some daily.
But what causes acid reflux? When we eat, food moves from the mouth through the esophagus
and into the stomach for further digestion. At the end of the esophagus there is
a circular band of muscles that relaxes and allows food and liquids to pass into
the stomach. It then tightens and prevents foods and stomach juices from traveling
back up into the esophagus. If, however, food or digestive juices escape the stomach
and travel back up the esophagus, irritating the esophageal lining, this is when
many people experience heartburn.
For some, acid reflux is due to a mechanical disorder where the sphincter muscle
at the end of the esophagus becomes weak or doesn't close correctly. This can cause
them to experience acid reflux when lying down as well as when standing up. In addition
to mechanical issues that can cause the sphincter muscle to relax, alcohol, smoking,
prescription medications and certain foods such as chocolate, onions, spicy foods
and mints can also lessen the gripping power of this muscle.
Other reasons people experience acid reflux include eating large meals. A large meal
increases the pressure on the stomach. This pressure can cause stomach contents to
literally be pushed out of the stomach and back into the esophagus. In addition,
lying down right after a large meal increases your chances of experiencing acid reflux,
because digestive juices can more easily move in the wrong direction. Pregnancy and
obesity also can increase abdominal pressure and increase your risk of experiencing
acid reflux. Other digestive disorders such as a peptic ulcer or insufficient digestive
enzymes in the stomach can cause stomach acid to build up and back up into your esophagus.
In addition to heartburn, individuals with acid reflux can experience difficulty
swallowing, a persistent sore throat or feeling a lump in the throat, coughing or
wheezing. In more severe cases, the individual may regurgitate blood or notice that
their stool is black, which can indicate that it contains partially digested blood.
Recommendations for Wellness
¿ Eat a number of smaller, more frequent meals instead of one or two large meals
daily.
¿ Avoid lying down right after eating. Give your body a couple of hours to digest
the food you've just eaten.
¿ If you experience acid reflux at night, elevate your head or the head of your bed
4-6 inches.
¿ If you are overweight, begin a diet and exercise program to help you shed a few
pounds.
¿ Take a good look at what you are eating. If you are consuming chocolate, alcohol,
fried or fatty foods, foods flavored with peppermint or spearmints or acidic beverages
such as certain juices, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages, they may be contributing
to your acid reflux and should be avoided.
¿ If you are taking prescription medications or suffer from a peptic ulcer, discuss
your concerns with to your doctor to help you rule them out as the true cause of
your acid reflux.
¿ Reduce your stress level. Sing, dance, meditate, practice deep breathing or do
yoga to help your body relax. This will help to reduce the pressure on your stomach.
¿ Carminatives, such as chamomile, fennel, ginger, peppermint and sage, can work
to sooth stomach muscles, increase the secretions of digestive juices, as well as
promote bile flow. Similarly, digestive bitters improve digestion through enhanced
secretion of digestive juices
¿ Soothing herbs such as aloe vera, marshmallow and slippery elm have traditionally
been use to combat the irritation often associated with heartburn.
¿ If you feel as if the foods you are consuming are not being digested properly,
try taking digestive enzymes before each meal to help break down foods in the stomach
and improve digestion. Food enzymes come in many forms. There are broad-spectrum
food enzymes that can help to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats. There are
also specialized enzymes that help digest specific types of foods such as fats, proteins
and milk.
Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D., is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in the
Human Potential Field, and it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens
her work. Author of the books Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within: A Psychic
Healing Primer, Dr. Louise can help you identify what is really going on and provide
you with straightforward guidance and advice. She can be reached by calling (972)
475-3393 or visiting her website at www.soulhealer.com
Copyright © 2004 Body, Mind & SoulHealer, all rights reserved. |
March 2005 |
|
|
